San Francisco 49ers' Vernon Davis practices

SANTA CLARA -- Tight end Vernon Davis practiced Thursday for the first time since sustaining a concussion in the 49ers' 42-13 loss Sunday at Seattle.

Davis participated in a limited, noncontact role and appears on course to play in his 91st consecutive game Sunday, when the 49ers (10-4-1) host the Arizona Cardinals (5-10).

"I'm managing, and I'm taking it one day at a time," said Davis, who sustained the first-quarter concussion on a sideline hit by safety Kam Chancellor to break up a potential reception at the Seahawks' 2-yard line.

Davis confirmed that he didn't sustain a whiplash effect. "Everyone thought he hit me in the chest, but he hit me in the helmet," Davis added. "It happened so fast."

Davis must pass an impact test to officially be cleared for Sunday's game.

For the first time since 1991, the 49ers could start the same five offensive linemen for every game in a season, assuming center Jonathan Goodwin can play despite an illness that kept him out of practice Thursday.

"It's been a real positive for us," coach Jim Harbaugh said of the line's durability. "An offensive line that plays together, that has that cohesiveness, it's very important for that unit."

Left tackle Joe Staley and left guard Mike Iupati received Pro Bowl invitations Wednesday. Alternate status was given to Goodwin, right guard Alex Boone and right tackle Anthony Davis. The NFC team consists of no right tackles but rather two other left tackles in the Seahawks' Russell Okung and the Washington Redskins' Trent Williams.

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Goodwin dressed for practice but left during the stretching period because of an illness. He has started every game at center since joining the 49ers last season. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said the line's continuity has been "very helpful" in terms of communication and recognition before snaps.

Kicker David Akers posted an appropriate quote on the team's daily quote board: "If you're not first, you're last," as stated by the character Ricky Bobby in the movie "Talladega Nights." The 49ers can clinch first place in the NFC West by beating the Cardinals on Sunday, or by the Seattle Seahawks losing at home to the St. Louis Rams.

Tight end Delanie Walker has recorded 12 of his 19 receptions since Colin Kaepernick took over at quarterback. "I get open and Kap sees me," Walker said. "I made a couple plays for him, and when you do that for a quarterback, he tends to look for you."

In his final test before the playoffs, Kaepernick "just needs to do his job every single play at a high level, just like every other player," Roman said.

Defensive tackle Justin Smith, whom the team revealed is battling a partially torn triceps, did not practice but was seen doing conditioning work in the team's weight room.

The 49ers are expected to promote a receiver from the practice squad to replace Mario Manningham, and the choices are Chad Hall or Ricardo Lockette. Roman praised Hall's quickness while stating of Lockette: "The big man, he can run and catch, and he does a great job of pushing it vertical."

Willis said he was "truly grateful" for his sixth Pro Bowl selection in six seasons. He was even happier to be part of the 49ers' nine-man Pro Bowl contingent. "I remember as a rookie being the only one in (Hawaii) and seeing other teams with multiple players, and you wish you could have teammates there as well," said Willis, who actually was joined in 2007 by punter Andy Lee but did go solo in 2008.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said the 49ers defense didn't appear fatigued Sunday as a result of its previous outing against the pass-happy New England Patriots. "We just didn't play good," Fangio said.

Cardinals left tackle Nate Potter (ankle) did not practice for a second straight day. D'Anthony Batiste is expected to start in his place and oppose Aldon Smith, who is three sacks from the NFL's single-season sack record of 22﻿1/2.